🍂 November’s here: with stories, sips, and reasons to smile

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It’s officially jacket weather, and Sioux Falls is settling into that cozy, pre-holiday buzz. We’ve got a mix of new openings and feel-good stories this week: from a riverside restaurant that’s all about local game, to a downtown shopping event that supports recovery.

Plus, there's a cat named Millie who might just be your next cuddle buddy.

Let’s dive in!

Just Opened

🦌 From the Plains to the Plate

Newly opened inside Cherapa Place, Rivage Oak Kitchen feels like a love letter to South Dakota’s seasons: where local game, housemade pasta, and warm hospitality meet under one roof.

Chef Robert Knobbe’s menu leans bold and beautiful (think pheasant bruschetta, lamb bolognese, and cedar-planked salmon), while the riverside setting adds a touch of calm. Book early for the holidays: this one’s already on everyone’s wish list. Learn more here.

🖌️ A Little Paint, A Lot of Joy

Tucked inside The Western Mall, Black Cat Paint N’ Sip is where your brushstrokes don’t have to take art too seriously.

Jodi keeps things light, guiding guests through everything from glowing blacklight pours to fall birch scenes and a festive “Gobble Gobble” turkey class. With every swirl of color, strangers turn into friends: and it’s exactly the kind of joy we all need sometimes.
Learn more here.

🎖️ Six South Dakota Bridges to Honor WWII Heroes

The Gist: On Nov 11th, a special ceremony at the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance will honor six fallen World War II veterans, each remembered with a bridge bearing their name. From Pearl Harbor to Okinawa, these men’s stories stretch across oceans, now coming home in a way that connects us all.

Why It Matters: Each bridge will stand as a quiet thank-you from South Dakota, carrying their memory over every passing mile. Read more here.

🎁 Downtown Gives Back: Holiday Shopping with Heart

The Gist: Downtown Sioux Falls is kicking off the holiday season with Downtown Gives, a citywide effort that turns shopping local into an act of generosity. This year’s proceeds support Emily’s Hope, a nonprofit helping families facing substance use challenges. Shoppers can pick up a coupon book for discounts at 22 local spots (from Coffea to Simply Perfect).

Why It Matters: Every purchase supports both small businesses and a cause that strengthens the community. Deals run through March 31, 2026. Read more here.

Millie is a charming 1.5-year-old tuxedo beauty with a soft coat and a softer heart.

This gentle girl enjoys affection on her own terms and will happily curl up beside you once she feels at home.

Millie is cat, dog, and kid friendly, and she’s happiest with another feline friend to play and snuggle with. Her adoption fee is $125, and she’s spayed, vaccinated, and litter trained.

To learn more about this beautiful girl, click HERE.

🎨 Dakota MasterWorks Art Show | Good Samaritan Society National Campus |
Sioux Falls | 11/07 | More
A juried art exhibit celebrating SD artists aged 60+, showcasing creativity & positive aging.

🎩 Masters of Illusion Tour | Washington Pavilion | Sioux Falls | 11/07 | More
A dazzling, family-friendly magic show featuring top illusionists from the hit CW series.

🎖️ Veterans Bingo Benefit | Severance Brewing | Sioux Falls | 11/07 | More
Play bingo for our heroes: proceeds fund trips for veterans to visit D.C. memorials.

🎅 Holiday Sioux Empire Arts & Craft Show | W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds | Sioux Falls | 11/07–11/08 | More
Midwest’s largest holiday craft event with 299+ artisans, handmade gifts, decor, and more!

🎃 Great Pumpkin Roll | Tuthill Park Upper Shelter | Sioux Falls | 11/08 | More
Roll your leftover pumpkins down the hill: prizes, snacks, games, and fall fun for the fam!

🕊️ Veterans Day Program | Military Heritage Alliance | Sioux Falls | 11/11 | More
Public program celebrating and saluting U.S. veterans through ceremony and unity.

⛳️ The Back Nine Golf Grand Opening | 1416 E 69th St | Sioux Falls | 11/08 | More
Celebrate Sioux Falls’ newest indoor golf spot with simulators, raffles, food, and fun!

🎄 Winter Container Workshop | Landscape Garden Centers | Sioux Falls | 11/08 | More
Design a festive outdoor container with fresh greens, branches, and decor!

🎿 Welcome Winter Fest | Great Bear Ski Valley | Sioux Falls | 11/08 | More
The start of winter with free chairlift rides, ski swap, local vendors, and island bites!

🏃‍♂️ Nike Cross Regionals: Heartland | Yankton Trail Park | Sioux Falls | 11/09 | More
Top high school runners from seven Midwest states compete for regional glory.

🍷 5-Course Wine & Dine Night | Rivage Oak Kitchen | Sioux Falls | 11/13 | More
Chef-driven dishes perfectly matched with Rombauer Vineyard’s acclaimed vintages.

If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.